Centring sexual and reproductive health and justice in the global COVID-19 response

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kelli Hall, Emory University; Goleen Samari, Columbia University; Samantha Garbers, Columbia University; Sara E. Casey, Columbia University; Dazon Dixon Diallo, SisterLove; Miriam Orcutt, University College London; Rachel T. Moresky, Columbia University; Micaela Elvira Martinez, Columbia University; Terry McGovern, Columbia University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-04-11
• Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30801-1
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: LANCET
• Volume: 395
• Issue: 10231
• Start Page: 1175
• End Page: 1177
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Medicine, General & Internal; General & Internal Medicine
• Research Categories: Biology, Virology; Health Sciences, Immunology; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Global responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are converging with pervasive, existing sexual and reproductive health and justice inequities to disproportionately impact the health, wellbeing, and economic stability of women, girls, and vulnerable populations. People whose human rights are least protected are likely to experience unique difficulties from COVID-19.1 Women, girls, and marginalised groups are likely to carry a heavier burden of what will be the devastating downstream economic and social consequences of this pandemic.2 A sexual and reproductive health and justice framework—one that centres human rights, acknowledges intersecting injustices, recognises power structures, and unites across identities—is essential for monitoring and addressing the inequitable gender, health, and social effects of COVID-19.